Sports News of Saturday, 24 June 2017

Source: todaygh.com

Ghana Premier League: Hearts to test Sharks’ wrath

Elmina Sharks FC Elmina Sharks FC

The Nduom Stadium will certainly be a sight to behold when Elmina Sharks FC comes face-to- face with Accra Hearts of Oak in week 19 of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on Sunday.

The Phobians were made to endure a frustrating day after being held to a 1-1 draw by a gritty Elmina Sharks at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first round of the league, prompting a cagey return in Elmina.

Though the team is without a substantive coach following the suspension of Head Coach, Kobina Amissah by management, the Fearsome Sharks will seek to capitalise on the poor form of the Phobians to lift themselves out of the relegation zone after recording only five wins in 18 matches.

Elmina Sharks have also had to endure disappointing seven draws and six losses since joining the league. With a premier league title high on the agenda, Coach Frank Nuttal and his players will also not relent in causing an upset in Elmina after being walloped 5-0 in their week 18 encounter with West African Football Academy in Sogakope.

Struggling defending champions, Wa All Stars, will be a force to reckon with when they clash with fifth placed, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Coach Adepa’s side is expected to replicate their form that won them the league last season over the Porcupine Warriors who are also reeling under pressure to secure victory.

Newly appointed head coach of the Porcupine Warriors, Steve Pollack, would be expected to provide a win and also continue with the restructuring of the club to enable him secure a top four finish for Kotoko.

Victory for Kotoko will see them overtake Ebusua Dwarfs who will be travelling to the Golden City Park in Berekum to face off with sixth placed, Berekum Chelsea, after recording resounding wins against Accra Great Olympics and Aduana Stars.

League leaders, West African Football Academy (WAFA), will also be wary of the threat of bottom placed, Bolga All Stars, when the duo clash at the Tamale Uthrect Park. WAFA only managed a goalless draw with Liberty Professionals away from home and a win could help them extend their lead at the summit of the league.

In other matches, Accra Great Olympics will be desperate to secure the maximum three points when they face regional folks, Liberty Professionals, at the Accra Sports Stadium to improve their lot in the GPL standings.

Aduana Stars are also expected to face a tough test when they travel to the Tema Stadium to engage Tema Youth while Bechem United will seek to appease their fans at the Nana Gyeabour Stadium after a humiliating 4-0 thumping against Berekum Chelsea in the MTN FA Cup competition.

Second from bottom, AshGold, will also host Inter Allies at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.